Record filing appliance



Dec. 24, 1935. N. a. BENSON y 2,025,633

RECORD FILING APPLIANCE Filed Dec. 4, 195s 4 sheets-sheet 1 Jliemaiz 5MM/MMA Dec. 24, 1935. N, B, BENSQN 2,025,633

RECORD FILING APPLIANCE Filed Dec. 4, 1955 4 sheets-Sheet 2 N. B. BENSON RECORD FILING APPLIANCE Filed Deo.

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 24, 1935.

Dec. 24, 1935. N. B. BENsoN 025,633 I,

RECORD FILING APPLIANCE Filed Deo. 4, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 nalin; mi

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Patented Dec. 24, 1935 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE 17 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to the art of loose leaf spection or entry and automatically stopped at c that position; another object is the Yprovision of a movable .writing table which automatically moves into position, when the device is opened for use; another object is the provision of a device, the structure of which may be completely housed and protected when not in use; anotherl object is the provision of means for manually 'operating'the device should it be so desired.

OtherV objects and advantages will present themselves as the description proceeds, it being lthe intention of the present invention to' enhance the utility of devices of that class to which it belongs, it being understood that changes may be made in the structure of the device within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing anyof the advantages thereof.

In the drawings:- Figure l is a perspective view of the device. Figure 2 is a plan view, there being parts cut away.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, the plane of the section being taken on line 9 3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view of a portion of the structure, the section being taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the mechanism.

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of a number of the switches shown in Figure 5.

Figure 'I is a detail view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatical view of the electrical circuits used in connection with the device.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary detail sectional view of a portion of the device.

Figure l0 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the devicel depicting means for manually operating the device. y

Figure 11 is a detail plan view showing a sligh modification in the carrier portion of the device.

Figure 12 is a view in elevation of the structure shown in Figure 11 there being parts broken away and parts in section.

Referring to the drawings by characters oi? reference; I designates a desk comprising endv pedestals 2 and 3, having legs 4 and a top 5. The desk as illustrated resembles in appearance the well known oiice desk in l which the end pedestals provide housing for a number of drawers. In the present invention, drawers in 10 the pedestal 3'have been dispensed with and in their stead a slidable housing 6 is inserted. The side walls of the housing 6 provide support for bearings 'I which in turn support shafts 8 at one end of the casing andv shafts 9 at the other 15 end. The shafts 8 and 9 have secured thereto near the ends thereof chain sprocket wheels vII'I and II respectively. 'I'he shafts 8 and sprockets IIJ are idlers, whereas the shafts 9 and sprockets II are driven. An endless conveyor chain I2 is trained over the sprockets I9 and II as shown and is led from the lowermost sprockets I0 upwardly to a shaft I3 over sprockets I4 secured to the last mentioned shaft and thence over an inclined work table I5 back to the uppermost sprockets II.

A vertical shaft I6 is mounted for rotation in bearings I1 at one side of the housing near the shafts 9 and has secured thereto a worm gear I8 for each of said shafts. mesh with worm wheels I9 secured to the shafts 9, whereby the conveyor chain may be driven from a plurality of points along its length without undue strain thereon.

Secured to the upper end of the shaft I6 is a 35 bevel gear 20, the same being driven by a bevel pinion 2I secured to the end of a shaft.22.

A motor 23 is mounted in the pedestal 2 back of the drawers in said pedestal. 'I'he shaft 22 is an elongation of the motor shaft and ex- 40 `tends as shown back of the centrall drawer of the desk. It will be apparent thatV the device herein .disclosed may be adapted for use in many forms of tabulating and recording opera. tions.. In the present instance however a bookkeeping system will be alluded to.

The cards or loose leaves used in the device maybe any one of the present commercial forms. As illustrated they each embody a sheet 24, folded to provide two overlapped leaves 25 and 26, leaf 50 25 being the shorter. Upon the exposed portion of the leaf 26 may be placed the name or symbol, identifying that particular sheet. The sheet 24 at its fold is looped over a supporting rod 21. The rod is sufficiently stiif to carry the sheet The gears I8 30 tween the shield plates and under the slots 29 as shown. Plates or straps SI, overlap the edges of the slots 29 to hold the edges of the slots in spaced relation.-

Secured to the links of the carrier I2 are plates 32 having holes 33 formed therein, lthe holes being formed along the plates in spaced relation corresponding in length to the exposed portion of the leaf 25.

As hereinbefore mentioned the rods 21 are resilient thereby rendering it possible to spring the rod sumciently to enter its ends into holes 33 at opposite sides of the device. After placing the sheets 24 onv the rods 21 and connecting the rods to the carrier, the sheets will be superimposed as shown particularly in Figure 5 with the index portion of all the leaves exposed for view when moved to working position.

The top of the desk above a portion of the housing 5 is cut away to provide an opening 34, a closure 35 for the opening is pivoted at 35 to one side edge of the desk.

To facilitate the making of entries on the sheets the inclined work table I5 is provided. The table comprises parts 31 and 35 pivoted at their outer ends at 39 and 49 respectively. A chain guide 4I is mounted on the table I5 and leads the chain out of the housing over the Atable and returns the chain to the housing.

Links 42 are pivotally connected to the free ends of the table sections 31 and 39, other links 43 are pivotally connected to the links 42 and to brackets 44 secured to the plates 29. 'I'he links 42 and 43 are pivotally connected to a bar 45.

-A retractile spring 45 has one end attached to the bar 45, the other end being anchored to the table. By reason of the structure just described the table is held in working position and may be depressed below the surface of the .desk by closure of the lid 35, the spring 45 acting to automatically raise the table to working position upon removal of the lid 35. A stop 41 prevents the links 42 and 43 from swinging Over a dead central position.

Mechanism for advancing the sheets to working position on the table and for automatically stopping the sheets in position to be used will now be described. A bar of insulation 49 has a projecting portion 49 extending through a slot transversely of the desk. Mounted in bores formed in the portion 49 are a series of switch buttons 59, the number of buttons corresponding to the number of tabulated groups of sheets to be used in the device, for instanceshould the matter contained in the machine be alphabetically arranged there wouldl be twenty six switch buttons 59. Contact bars 5| are carried by the block 49. A conductor 52 leads from one of the bars to the motor and thence to a source of electrical supply,-a second conductor 53 is attached to the other bar 5I and leads directly tothe other. side of the supply circuit. A bridge 54 for each of the buttons 59 is provided and is secured to a lever 55 pivoted at 55, the end of the lever 55 rests in a notch formed in the button 59. When the button 59 is depressed against the action of a spring 51, the bridge length of the conveyor I2a the slots 19 are closed yminim aosaess 54 closes the circuit to' the motor. The button is held in depressed position by a spring actuated plunger 59, the end of which rides into a groove 59 formed in the shank of the button.

A switch release comprises a bar 59 having 5 supporting arms 5I at opposite ends thereof, the

. has a series of lopenings 52 said openings registering in a vertical plane with the buttons 59.

A tappet 53 is secured to the bar 59, itspath of forward movement being in position for engaging its complementary key 59. 'I'he bars 59 are placed along the length of carrier in positions so that as any particular group of leaves 24 arrive over the work table the tappet 53 will have' arrived at the particular key for the group under 20 consideration and force the key upwardly thereby breaking the circuit to the motor. To provide positive release of the key 59, a cam 54 is secured to the side wall or plate 29'adjacent the line of keys or buttons '59. A lug 55carried by the end 25 of the bar 59 rides over the cam-at the position in which the button 59 and the tappet 53 contact. Elongation of the slot in the shank of the button 59 reduces sparking at the switch points to a A switch 51 conveniently located for manipulation and shown in the drawing as being adapted for operation by the knee of an operator seated at the desk, controls a circuit to the motor, whereby'thevoperator through the motor drive may 35 by short applications of the switch 51, impart a step-by-step movement to the carrier. A crank 59 at one end of the desk and in alignment with the shaft I3 may be used in connection with the switch 51, to retard motion of the carrier and to 40 halt the carrier with a particular leaf on the table. A clutch 59 on the shaft and crank permit the crank to remain idle during motor operation of the mechanism.

Adoor -19 closes the front of the compartment 45 in which the mechanism is located. Should it be necessary to inspect the mechanism, the entire structure may be withdrawn through the door opening.

A lever 1| pivoted at 12 w the table Is cames a 5 roller 13, a bell-crank lever 14 pivoted at 15 to the table I5, has one arm in engagement with a pin 19 on the link 442. The levers 1I and 14 are pivotally connected tooperate in unison by a pin and slot 11. raclosmg the device, the 11d u con- 55 tacts the roller 13 depressing the end of the lever 1I and swings ythe lever 14 to move the pin 19 to the right in Figure 4 and break the right line position of the toggle 42, 43, the table may be effected.

In the structure illustrated in Figures 11 and l2 the parts corresponding to parts heretofore described have the same numerals applied thereto, with the addition of the suillx a. 'I'he plates 32a carried by the chain I 2a have longitudinal slots 13 to receive the ends of the rods21a. Spacing plates 19 are secured to the rods 21a adjacent the shield plates 29a. At intervals along the posed in the carrier I2, for the purpose of holdu so that closure of so ing the chain taut at all times, particularly when the table i5 is being folded.

It is thought operation of the device will be evident from the foregoing description and that a detail summary will be unnecessary.

It might be stated that in the drawings, in the interest of clarity and economy, elements having a multiplicity of duplicate parts have been in most part omitted.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table, means for mounting the work table in the support in operative relation to the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table, and means for moving the work table toward the opening, when the closure assumes open position with respect to the opening.

2. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table, means for mounting the work table in the support for movement'toward and away from the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table, and means for moving the work table toward the opening, when the closure assumes open position with respect to the opening.

3. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table, means for mounting the work tablein the support in operative relation to the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mountmg the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table,.and yieldably-actuated means for automatically moving the work table toward the opening, when the closure assumes open position.

4. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table, means for mounting the work table in the support in operative relation to the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table, and yieldablyactuated means for automatically moving the Work table toward the opening, when the closure assumes open position, the closure, when in closed position, engaging the yieldably-actuated means and moving the work table to housed position in the support, against the action of said yieldablyactuated means.

5. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table comprising relatively movable parts, means for mounting the outer ends of said parts movably on the support, and yieldably-actuated means assembled with the inner ends of said parts of the work table for moving the inner ends of said parts of the work table to operative position with respect to the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier and means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table.v

6. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work` table comprising relatively movable parts, means for mounting the outer ends of said parts pivotally on the support, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier,

means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon 'the table, means for moving the inner ends of 5 said parts of the work table to operative position with respect to the opening including pairs of links, the links of each pair having their inner ends pivotally connected together, the outer end of one link of -ea'ch pair being vmovably con- 1o nected to-the inner end of one of said parts of the work table, other links each having its outer end pivotally connected to the inner ends of one Apair of links, the inner ends of said other links being pivotally connected to the support. 15 '1. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table comprising relatively movable parts, means for mounting the outer ends of said parts pivotally on the support, an endless 20 carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table, and pairs of links, the links of each pair having their inner ends pivotally connected to- 25 gether, the outer end of one link of each pair being pivotally connected to the inner end of one of said parts of the work table, other links each having its outer end pivotally connected to the` inner ends of one pair of links, the inner ends of 30 said other links being pivotallylconnected to the support, and a bar pivotally connected with. the links of each pair and cooperating with the4 table and the other links to form an approximate rectangle, a pull spring arranged substantially at a diagonal, of said rectangle, means for connecting one end of the pull spring to the bar, and means for anchoring the opposite end of the spring to the table, the links, the bar, and the spring constituting means for automatically 40 moving'the inner ends of said parts of the work table to operative position with respect to the opening. i

8. In a device of the class described, a support,

a leaf carrier, means for mounting the leaf carrier movably on the support, a table, mechanism for actuating the carrier to bring an'y leaf into working position with respect to the table, and means for stopping the movement of the carrier with the selected leaf in working position, said position permitting an operator to make an entry on the leaf without withdrawal of the leaf from the carrier.

9. In a device of the class described, a support, a table, a leaf carrier, means for mounting the leaf carrier-movably over the table, mechanism for actuating the carrier to bring any leaf into working position with respect to the table, means under the control of an operator for putting said mechanisminto operation, and coactlng means 00 on the carrier and on the support for stopping said mechanism with the selected leaf in working position, thereby permitting an operator to make an entry on the leaf without withdrawal of the vleaf from the carrier.

into working position on the table, and means v mounted on the carrier and engageable with the switch which the operator has actuated, to render said switch inactive, to stop the movement of the carrier, and leave the selected leaf in ilx'ed work- ,11. In -a device of the class described,v a'support, a carrier movably mounted on the support, a table, means fox` mounting groups of leaves on the carrier, mechanism for actuating the carrier vtobr'ing a selected group of leaves into working position on the table, means for stopping the movement of the carrier with any selected group in working position, and means for imparting a further movement to the carrier, to bring a particular leaf of any group into working position.

12. .In a device of the class described, a support, a worktable, a leaf carrier, means for mounting leafcarrier movably over the table, an electric motor operatively connected to the leaf carrier, a motor circuit, selecting switches in said circuit and individual to diilerent groups of leaves on the carrier, the switches being under the .control of an operator and constituting means for putting the motor into operation, thereby to bring a selected group of leaves into working position on the table, means mounted on the carrier and engageable with the switch which the operator has actuated, to render said switchinactive, to stop. the movement of the carrier, and leave the selected group of leaves in fixed working position, and means for imparting a further movement to the carrier, to bring a particular leaf of any group into working position.

13. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table, means for mounting the work table in the support in operative relationto the opening, an endless carrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement thereby to V bring any leaf upon the table, yieldably-actuated means forautomatically moving the work table toward the opening, when the closure assumes open position and means for automatically op- Aerating'theyieldably-actuated means, to close the "work table when the closure is moved toward the opening.

i4. In a device of the class described, a support having an opening, a removable closure for the opening, a work table comprising relatively `movable parts, means for vmounting the outer ends of said parts pivotally on the support, an endless oa'rrier, means for mounting leaves on the carrier, means for mounting the carrier in the support for advancement, thereby to bring any leaf upon the table, pairs of links, the links of each rier over the table.

and parallel position with respect to each other 10 to constitute a support for the inner ends of the work table, and means coacting with the closure 'and with the links for moving the pairs of links and the other links to angular relation with respect toeach other, thereby to permit iowering`15' the work table. v

15. In a device of the class described, a support, a leaf carrier having recording leaves thereon, means for movably mounting the leaf carrier on the support, a table for supporting the leaves, 2o mechanism for actuating the leaf carrier to move a selected leaf into working position on the table, said position permitting an operator to make an yentry on the leaf while the leaf is attached to the carrier and means for stopping the movement of the carrier with the selected leaf in working po' sition.

16. In a device of the class described, a support, a table, a conveyor mounted for movement -for preventing longitudinal movement of the rod in the conveyor, and means for moving the car- 40 17. In a device of the class described, a support, a table, a conveyor mounted for movement on the support and for movement over the table, record supporting devices carried by the conveyor,

`a motor driven gear train for moving the supporting devices over the table, a switch Afor controlling the motor drive and means for stopping the conveyor with a particular record on the table, said means comprising a bar carried by the supporting device and having a tappet individual to the particular record to be stopped on the table, said tappet Abeing adapted to engage and release the switch withf' the particular record in working position on the table.

NEWELL B. BENSON. 

